Dec. 12, 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Independence of Judiciary Focal Point of Orange County Law Forum The critical importance of the judiciary’s independence was the focus of a forum organized by the Orange County Superior Court’s Judicial Outreach Committee, California Judges Association’s Judicial Fairness Coalition, the Orange County Bar Association, and the Orange County

Chapter of the America Board of Trial Advocates. Orange County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Macias opened the Dec. 4, 2019 event, which attracted more than judges, lawyers, and law students from around Orange County. She underscored the importance of an independent Judicial Branch and shared examples of the challenges the judiciary is facing. The event entitled “Forum on the Importance of the Independence of the Judiciary” was held at the Chapman University Fowler School of Law and its focal point was a panel discussion by Fourth District Court of Appeal, Div. 3 Presiding Judge Hon.

Kathleen O’Leary and Edith Matthai, Esq. of Robie and Matthai. UC Irvine Law School Professor Michele Bratcher Goodwin appeared by a videotaped presentation. In addition to providing an historical perspective on the reasons why our judiciary is an independent branch of government, the panel shared information regarding the process of judicial appointments, judicial continuing education requirements, the ethical Canons and obligations judges must follow, as well as information about the Commission on Judicial Performance.

Superior Court of California County of Orange News Release Public Information Office Contact: Kostas Kalaitzidis, (657) 622-7097 PIO@occourts.org In her opening remarks, Judge Macias quoted Justice O’Leary who viewed the panel presentation as an opportunity to “train the trainers” and promised to make this Forum an annual event focusing on different aspects of our system of government with emphasis on the importance of an independent judiciary.

In closing remarks, Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Delaney encouraged members of the legal community to reach out to their respective communities and talk about the judicial branch, and its role as a third, independent branch of government. This forum was part of a statewide effort by the California Judges Association to inform and educate people on the increased and dangerous attacks on the judiciary in California and elsewhere and to inspire people to take action in the defense of the independence of the judicial branch of our government.

Judge Thomas Delaney thanks the panel and encourages attendees to support future presentations. Judge O’Leary (left) and Edith Matthai, Esq. (right) address the event, Professor Bratcher Goodwin delivered her remarks via video.